Ground Tackle Meaning in Sailing

Ground tackle represents the collective term for all the equipment used to anchor a boat. This includes the anchor itself, the chain or rope (the ‘rode’), and the various shackles and swivels that connect them. Having reliable ground tackle is the most important factor in keeping a boat safe when it is not at a dock, especially during a storm. One specific example involves a sailor inspecting their ground tackle to ensure the ‘shackles’ are wired shut so they don’t unscrew underwater. A boat’s ground tackle must be sized correctly for the weight of the vessel and the type of sea floor (sand, mud, or rock). Proper storage of this heavy equipment in the ‘anchor locker’ ensures it can be deployed quickly in an emergency. It is the primary system that prevents a boat from drifting onto a dangerous shore.